I have checked with voltmeter with the "Troubleshoot" test of PICKIT2, that even with selected PIC24/PIC32 families (modified device file) it is still generating 5V~ levels on PGD/PGC. The VPP is OK (5V~ as well - but in case of PIC16 etc it's obviously 12V~) and VDD (3.3V) is also good.
My toughts are also based on that: http://www.elproducts.com/uploads/9/2/9/...9_orig.png there is no level-translation elements on the PGD/PGC lines, they are directly connected to the RA2/RA3.
Correct me if I'm wrong.
Anyway, I will try to get other chip or/and programmer soon, or at least do some simple signals translation.